Game Apparatus for Enhanced Play Including Web Site Play

ABSTRACT

A game for a plurality of players includes a set of instant win tickets and a programmed computer system creating a web site associated with the tickets to be accessed by the player. The system provides additional game data elements arranged to cooperate with at least one game data element on the ticket such that the game played is dependent on both the data element on the ticket and the additional game data elements on the web site. This arrangement allows the ticket to be played as a probability ticket where the player can play the game using the game data on the ticket and by selecting one of a plurality of game data elements on the site where the selection is part of the determination as to whether the ticket is a winner.

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119 of Provisional Application 61/437,444 filed Jan. 28, 2011 and Provisional Application 61/451,392 filed Mar. 10, 2011 and Provisional Application 61/451,403 filed Mar. 10, 2011 and Provisional Application 61/512,262 filed Jul. 27, 2011 by the same Assignee as herein, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to or is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 12/783,791 filed May 20 2010 which corresponds to Canadian Application 2,704,075 filed May 20, 2010.

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119 of Provisional Application 61/180,968 filed May 26, 2009.

The present invention relates to a lottery game apparatus which provides a lottery ticket game which is enhanced by entry by the player on to a web site type game to complete the game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with a game apparatus where the first game is played on a series of instant win lottery tickets but can also be applied to other gaming situations where the player is awarded a first prize in a first game.

Such instant scratchoff tickets have been marketed, initially in North America and now globally, for more than 3 decades. During this period there has been significant growth in this part of the lottery marketplace and in the types of tickets that are being offered to the player.

More recently there has been rapid growth in Internet gaming, most of which is operated from locations outside of North America and is considered illegal in many jurisdictions.

Lottery organizations are now looking at the rapid growth in the unregulated gaming market in order to determine whether they can participate and provide a product that is operated in accordance with the controls in place for their other product lines. This may require changes in legislation in some jurisdictions. Other jurisdictions have developed sites which are now operational.

Traditionally instant tickets have been operated independent of other types of gaming. Players purchase tickets at a retail location, play the ticket in accordance with the rules established for that game and if the ticket is an apparent winner present it at a retailer location where the winning status is verified and the prize is paid out.

As games were developed for the instant market efforts were made to increase the play value of the games in order to provide the player more interaction rather than simply scratching the ticket to reveal a series of symbols or prize values in order to determine if the ticket is a winner.

The next stage in the development process was to introduce extended play on the internet which is linked to the instant game and provides an extension of the play value of the ticket electronically. Ingenio, a division of Loto Quebec was one of the first to offer this type of extended play value.

Another alternative is the concept of having a second chance draw for players who did not win on the instant portion.

US Published application 2008/0174068 (York) published Jul. 24, 2008 discloses a method for conducting a lottery that offers players who lose the opportunity to use their losing lottery tickets to enter one or more additional lotteries, a replay program. This proposes that the player will be awarded points which can be used in a second lottery game which can be played on line.

US Published application 2008/0045299 (Bennett) published Jul. 24, 2008 and assigned to Scientific Games discloses a system and method for providing an additional or end-of-game drawing to players of a lottery game. In one embodiment, unique validation codes provided on lottery tickets can be encrypted using an algorithm and used to create a record of such encrypted codes. A player then participates in the lottery and subsequently submits the validation code from the ticket to a lottery provider. The lottery provider applies the algorithm to the submitted validation code to create another encryption code for comparison with the record of encrypted codes. In the event a match is found, the player is entered into a second-chance or end of game drawing.

The above two patent applications relate to participation in second chance draws/lottery style play, which are entered on the internet following purchase of an instant ticket. It appears they are targeted primarily for customers, who did not win, although the losing aspect is more strongly defined in the first application. In both cases, after a player has completed the registration process on their first entry or signed in, if they are pre-registered, they are requested to enter the validation or other ticket identification number and game number as a means of identifying the ticket they are holding. With the second application, the number entered is encrypted and compared to a list of valid numbers from that game and if a match occurs the entry is accepted. For the first application, there is no mention in the claims of a comparison to a supplied list. Once the entry is accepted it is assigned points to be used in subsequent drawings. Points awarded after acceptance of the entry are based on the price of the ticket.

Also in U.S. Pat. No. 7,424,617 of Yahoo there is disclosed a points based system which employs encryption during the entry phase. Points are redeemed for purchases on-line. The example used is for bottle caps.

One of the challenges presented by the second chance draw or other forms of internet gaming is to provide secure methods that ensure that the ticket entries being made, for winning or non-winning tickets is being done in a secure manner to protect the integrity of the lottery.

The above application of Bennett explains in detail extensive use of data encryption processes to help reduce the risk. This level of control has been developed in order to achieve a perceived level of data security once control of the sequence is released to the lottery who operate it independently of the ticket manufacturer.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,464 (Wiel) issued Nov. 30, 2004 and assigned to Scientific Games is disclosed a lottery card game where the player is required by the game to go on to a second game arrangement played on line where the player plays additional games using the winning value from the first game to end up at a resultant cash value which may be zero if the second game or games are losing games, or may end up at a resultant prize value higher than the original ticket game. This cash value can be redeemed by the player at the lottery retailer by presentation of the original ticket.

While there is a high demand for probability type games where the result is not pre-determined up to now the attempts to provide such games have been defeated by the security issues which arise when each ticket can now be a winning ticket with the amount of the prize determined by a selection made by the player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the invention to provide a game apparatus which provides a ticket game which is enhanced by entry by the player on to a web site type game to complete the game.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for use in a game to be played by a plurality of players, the apparatus comprising:

a set of game tickets;

each ticket of the set of game tickets comprising:

-   -   a substrate having printed thereon, in one or more areas, game         data covered by a covering which can be removed by a player to         expose the game data;     -   the game data including a at least one game data element which         the player uses to play the game;

and a programmed computer system;

the programed computer system comprising:

-   -   a site associated with the tickets;     -   a first program component allowing communication with a player         to enter the site from a remote terminal;     -   a second program component arranged to provide to the player at         the terminal at least one additional game data element arranged         to cooperate with said at least one game data element on the         ticket such that the game played is dependent on both said at         least one game data element on the ticket and said at least one         additional game data element.

Preferably the substrate has printed thereon game information defining rules for playing the game using said at least one game data element which is exposed and one or more prizes to be won by winning tickets in accordance with the rules and the prize won by the ticket in accordance with the rules is dependent on both said at least one game data element on the ticket and said at least one additional game data element.

Preferably the substrate has printed thereon an identification number or code identifying the ticket and wherein the computer system includes a program component allowing entry by the player of the identification number or code identifying the ticket.

The games concerned are preferably instant win type games where the result is entirely predetermined, since such games are generally preferred in a lottery situation in order to ensure that the total winnings is predetermined. However the present invention is not limited to the type of game to be played and can include probability or other games which include game indicia covered by a scratch-off coating.

The construction may also be used in situations where the main objective is for other purposes than gambling such as in promotional games or games of fun for children or others where no gambling or prizes are involved.

Many such tickets are used directly in a lottery situation so that the tickets have no other relevance other than the playing of the lottery or game by which the player may win monetary or other prizes as part of the lottery or gaming situation.

However more attention has been recently given to the use of such tickets as promotional items used by manufacturers of other products to enhance the sale of the product.

Preferably the game data on each ticket defines an instant win game revealing whether the player is a loser or a winner of a prize and if so the value of that prize. Preferably the covering is a scratch-off layer typical with instant win tickets but it can be provided by other types of removable covering. Also the game can be other types of game such as a simple draw, a game of no prize value or even probability type games where the result is determined by the actions of the player.

Preferably the site is a web site and communication through the Internet is provided to that site. However the present invention contemplates other forms of communication and that the site has characteristics suitable for that mode of communication.

The terminal as defined herein can be any technique available to the player to access the internet or the site including mobile devices such as Smart phones.

Preferably there is provided a program component for entering registration of personal details of a player entering the web site and for storing data identifying each player.

In one preferred arrangement, the one game data elements exposed on the ticket are arranged to determine, without the additional game data elements, and using the rules a first result of the game and the game data elements exposed on the ticket are arranged to determine, with the additional game data elements a second result of the game.

Thus the first result can be the winning of a first prize and the second result can be the winning of a second larger prize.

Thus the first result can be the winning of a first prize and the second result can be an increase in value of the first prize

Thus the first result can be the winning of no prize and the second result is the winning of a prize.

That is the player may win a prize on the first conventional play and then the value of the initial prize is increased as a result of the extension play on the Internet. For example on a cross-word style ticket the player may match 5 words on the first play for a prize of $10 and then after obtaining 3 more letters from the internet access may now uncover a total of 7 words for prize of $100. The end result is that the player receives the second larger prize of $100 as the total payout.

In most cases, in order to manage the redemption of prizes, the ticket includes a validation number and the programmed computer control system is arranged to provide access to a data base containing the validation numbers of the tickets and the corresponding prize.

Preferably the programmed computer control system is arranged to provide, in association with the validation number, the second prize so that the player on redeeming the ticket receives the second prize regardless of whether or not the player has accessed the web site.

However in an alternative arrangement, the programmed computer control system can be arranged to provide, in association with the validation number, the second or larger prize only when the player has actually accessed the web site. In this case the data base must be updated with the information from the access files of the web site.

For example, the programmed computer control system can be arranged such that said at least one additional game data element simulates a multi-player extension of the game. Thus for example, the play on the website could be in a simulated group setting of multiple players who compete against the player, such as a simulated Bingo game

For example, the programmed computer control system can be arranged such that said at least one additional game data element is used in an actual multi-player extension of the game.

In most cases for enhanced play, the additional game data elements are arranged such that said additional game data elements are entered into a game format defined on the ticket to supplement the game data elements already provided on the ticket. That is the play of the game continues with additional elements obtained from the internet web site. In this way a first part of the game can be played on the ticket with the second enhanced portion defined by the additional elements from the web site.

In one arrangement, the additional game data elements together with the game data element printed on the ticket are all pre-determined so that the ticket forms an instant win ticket with a result which is fully predetermined. That is the web site is programmed to generate predetermined symbols and in response to the input of the ticket identification number provides additional symbols or letters which are pre-determined at the time that the game was generated initially. As a result the whole game remains wholly predetermined.

In the alternative, the game data elements printed on the ticket are wholly pre-determined so that the ticket forms an instant win ticket with a result from the game date element printed thereon, while the additional game data elements defines a set of data elements from which the player can make a selection so that the whole game forms a probability game in which the result is dependent on the selection.

In this case the ticket includes a validation number and the programmed computer control system is arranged to provide access to a data base containing the validation numbers of the tickets in association with the selection made and therefore a prize result of said selection for payment of said prize result.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lottery ticket type game which is a probability game. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for a probability game to be played by a plurality of players in which a result of the game for each player is not predetermined but is based on a probability, the apparatus comprising:

a set of game tickets;

each ticket of the set of game tickets comprising:

-   -   a substrate having printed thereon, in one or more areas, game         data including a at least one game data element which the player         uses to play the game;

and a programmed computer system;

the programed computer system comprising:

-   -   a site associated with the tickets;     -   a first program component allowing communication with a player         to enter the site from a remote terminal;     -   a second program component arranged to provide to the player         entering the site a set of additional data elements from which         the player is required to make a selection;

wherein the ticket with said game data thereon and with said selection from said additional game data elements from the web site forms a probability game in which a result of the game is at least partly dependent on said selection.

Preferably said at least one game data element printed on the ticket forms a pre-determined instant win game. However this is not essential and the whole of the game may be based on the probability obtained by the selection on the site.

Preferably game data element on the ticket is covered by a covering such as a scratch-off layer which is removable by a player to expose the game data element. Other coverings can be used.

Preferably the substrate has printed thereon game information defining rules for playing the game using the game data element or elements on the substrate and one or more prizes to be won by winning tickets in accordance with the rules.

Preferably the substrate has printed thereon an identification number or code identifying the ticket to enable the player to identify the ticket when entering the site.

Preferably the ticket includes a validation number and the programmed computer control system is arranged to provide access to a data base containing the validation numbers of the tickets in association with information defining the selection made so that a prize dependent on said selection is made available for redemption of the prize.

In one arrangement, the set of additional data elements can be printed on the ticket. However the result of that element is not available on the ticket and must be obtained by entering the chosen element into the web site, where the selection is recorded and cannot be changed.

For security reasons we will not print the additional game elements on the ticket. The player could simply scratchoff all possible choices and then enter the most beneficial one on the website. Instead there may be multiple choices contained on the ticket representing the additional data elements but it would consist of different entry numbers only to be entered on the website confirming the selection.

In another arrangement, the set of additional data elements are shown on the web site and not on the ticket and the selection of one of them is entered on the web site.

Preferably the ticket includes a validation number and the programmed computer control system is arranged to provide access to a data base containing the validation numbers of the tickets in association with the selection made and therefore a prize result of said selection for payment of said prize result.

In order to maintain the interest of players it is important in marketing of such lottery tickets to provide extended play offerings and to preserve and expand the market for Crossword type games, which have become important over several years.

The objective is therefore to introduce features into an instant lottery ticket, which gives the player the option to enter a website in order to complete the play on the ticket or to participate in bonus play only available on the web. In each case there is a direct link between the ticket and the result generated on the website. Some examples of this type of feature are as follows:

The play extension concept is designed to provide the player with the chance to extend their play on a lottery website. Availability of this option can be dependent on the particular game being played. In some cases all players are eligible to participate while in other cases it may be restricted to losers or winners only or to other determining factors which define another subset such as only $10 winners.

Basically the player purchases an instant ticket and plays the game normally. Once traditional play is complete the player has the option to enter a lottery or vendor sponsored website, where play continues. Play may take several different forms depending on the particular game. There are many examples of extended play format, some of which are set out hereinafter.

In a continued Play of Instant Ticket Game, a standard Crossword ticket can feature a separate, scratchable, INTERNET PLAY box under which there is an entry code. The player accesses a lottery website and after entering the code is directed to a game area where the player undertakes the required action to obtain additional letters which could be used to extend play on the conventional instant ticket. There can be a variety of methods by which the additional letter(s) can be generated. For example the site may feature a “Letter” slot machine which begins spinning when the handle is pulled. The wheel appears to be operating at random and display cascading letters as the wheel turns. However in reality the machine is programmed to stop at a pre-determined letter which is directly linked to the ticket in play. There may be one or more pulls involved in completing the extended play. The letter(s) then are used on the Crossword grids to determine if a winner can be created in the case of a loser or whether the prize value of the ticket is raised in the case of a winner.

Similarly for non-Crossword tickets, the wheel can reveal a play symbol which can be added to the play on the conventional ticket in order to increase the possibility of achieving the required result to be eligible to win a prize. For example ticket might be a standard Match 3 of 9 and the additional prize symbol makes it a Match 3 of 10.

In respect of matching, the concept of play extension consists of matching the result obtained through play on the Internet site to the instant ticket to determine if there is a match of the information between the two. For example in the case of Crossword, the internet play action might reveal a word. If the word on the Internet site matches one of the words on the instant ticket grid(s), even if the word is only partially uncovered or not uncovered, the player is eligible for a bonus prize.

Similarly the ticket may contain a covered Bonus Box under which is a concealed symbol, word, etc. Internet play generates a symbol from the same set as found on the ticket itself. A match between the two results in a bonus win. The Live Play concept takes the player onto a website where a multi-player extension of the instant game is played. The action can be simulated with virtual players and is available at any time or it may consist of a real game being played by several different participants. The real play option requires greater management because play has to scheduled and players are required to sign-in in advance, etc.

For example, on a conventional Bingo card there can be one or more grids printed on the ticket which are dedicated to play on-line only. If the game features simulated play the instant player can sign in at anytime and play commences with a group of virtual players. Players sign in to a website at a specific time and play a live Bingo game jointly with all participants.

The combination of play on a conventional ticket and on an internet site does create challenges in respect of extended play management not normally associated with an instant game. Some of these challenges are as follows:

A player who has purchased a ticket may not be interested in extending play on the internet. The graphics on the ticket highlight the extended play option and retailers will be trained to alert players to the added feature on particular tickets. However the circumstance will exist where a player may purchase a ticket and have no interest or perceived ability to continue. In this situation it needs to be determined how prizing and validation will be handled. The simplest approach is to award the additional prizes, if the ticket was eligible, at the time of redemption even if the option is not played. This option makes the management of the extended play option very easy because there is basically no change to the existing validation structure. The prize value of winning tickets remains constant as does the prize liability. The concerns is that the perceived value of the play extension could become minimized and participation levels may decline.

In the alternative, the system can be arranged to provide the second prize or increased prize only when the player has actually accessed the web site.

Another concern is that if a player, who has not participated on the web site takes a ticket to the retailer and inadvertently advises them that they believe they won $XX that the retailer could pay the anticipated prize and delay the actual on-line validation in hopes that in fact the prize level on that ticket has actually increased.

Increase in winnings on internet-extended play games may be restricted to winning tickets only so that players who have lost on the traditional game(s) and who have chosen not to extend play on the internet do not destroy a ticket which is an actual winner. This approach reduces the potential attraction for a player to enter the website once it is known that only winners are being affected. The system should provide for the ability of a loser on the traditional game to upgrade to a winner and yet to address the concern of a loser on the traditional game who decides to not enter the internet.

Some of the concepts and the approach to handling validation/prizing require the ability to update the lottery validation file to change the status of a winning ticket or potentially convert an initial loser to a winner. One option is to change the validation methodology to allow for the validation file to be rewritten in a real-time environment as internet play proceeds.

An alternative is for all games with an internet component to have a flag on the validation file and the validation file would contain validation numbers for all tickets not just winners. The system can therefore allow for a loser to convert to a winner based on the Internet play extension. If the Internet play is restricted to traditional game winners only, once a validation request is made the first check is to the validation file itself to determine whether the ticket is a winner. If the ticket is a winner, the validation process then checks a secondary file which contains a list of updated winners, sorted by validation number. If the validation number being verified is present on the first list only then that prize is awarded. If the validation number and prize appear on the second list then the alternate prize value is awarded. Once the award is made the status on both files is changed to “redeemed” and the overall prize liability for the game is updated.

If the Internet play is open to all tickets regardless of win/lose status, once a validation request is made the first check is to the validation file itself to determine whether the ticket is a winner or a loser. If the ticket validation number appears on the validation file, the validation process then checks a secondary file which contains a list of updated winners, sorted by validation number. If the validation number being verified is present on the first list only then that prize is awarded. If the validation number and prize appear on the second list then the alternate prize value is awarded. Once the award is made the status on both files is changed to “redeemed” and the overall prize liability for the game is updated.

The option of internet play does make it possible to consider probability tickets which have not been accepted in the market place due to the security risks which are overcome or reduced in the present arrangement. Lotteries are interested in the probability style of play but there have been problems associated with this style of gaming on an instant ticket. The problems related to the security of the tickets because every ticket was a potential winner and secondly as to how validation and prize liability for the game are handled.

The play extension concept on the internet is therefore used for probability tickets and addresses some of the problems encountered previously with producing a probability ticket on an instant ticket only. For example a game called “Double or Nothing” can be provided in which the player scratches off the left hand portion of the ticket to determine if they are a winner. If the ticket is a winner then the player has the option to remove the scratchoff from 1 of 3 boxes to determine if the prize is doubled, unchanged or halved. Under each box is a different code. The player, once they have entered the website and input the validation number on the instant ticket, scratch off one box only and then enter the number within the box removed. Based on the validation number the computer identifies the outcome for the ticket. At the same time the computer system updates the lottery validation file to indicate the outcome of the play action. The remaining two codes cannot be entered subsequently nor can the player claim that the internet play option was not taken. The player of course has the option not to extend the play in which case the prize found on the left hand side prevails. The probability portion can also be operated so that the minimum result is to remain equal to previous winnings.

Similarly a Poker game can be provided in which the player initially reveals the dealers hand and their hand. If the ticket is a winner then play action does not continue. However if the hand loses then the player is directed to go to the website and continue play by selecting, for example Draw 1, Draw 2 or Draw 3 indicating the number of cards to be replaced. Under the additional draw boxes are located the different codes for each choice. Once on the website, the player enters the uncovered code and the new hand is revealed. Similarly once the new code is entered the remaining two codes are disabled and the lottery validation system is updated as to the new status.

Security on probability tickets was always the problem. In this case it does not matter if the player scratches off all the three codes. In order to play the game on line the player must select one code for entry and, once one code is entered, the other codes associated with the ticket are disabled. Even though the player has exposed all three codes, the player has no access, until the selection is entered, as to which is a winning code and which is a losing code.

Many other similar alternatives following the same themes described above can be developed within the concept described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a lottery ticket forming one part of an apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of computer system forming a second part of an apparatus according to the present invention for use in extended play on a web site.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of computer system forming a second part of an apparatus according to the present invention for use in creating a probability game using a web site.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for use in a lottery game to be played by a plurality of players includes a set of lottery tickets 10 shown in FIG. 1 and a programmed computer system 20 shown in FIG. 3.

The set of lottery tickets includes a plurality of individual tickets 10A, 10B to 10X. The number of tickets can vary but typically the tickets are formed in books making up a complete set for a particular game. The books are provided as individual items to be sold by retailers to the public. Depending on the longevity of the game, the number of books can be large with many re-printings or can be much smaller for specific dedicated games.

Each ticket is formed of a substrate having printed thereon various information necessary for the game to be played. This includes a game logo 12 and game rules 13 which set out the basis by which the winning and losing status of the ticket is instantly determined from game data 14 including a level of prize for a winning ticket. Many different arrangements for such instant win tickets are well known to a person skilled in the art.

The game data 14 is printed in a game area 15 using printing techniques well known to a person skilled in the art and is covered by a scratch-off layer 16 also well known.

The ticket further includes a validation number 17 and a bar code 18 related to the validation number allowing these to be used to validate any prize claimed by a player after playing the game by exposing the game data. The bar code and validation number can be left exposed or be covered before playing by a second area of scratch-off or by the same area 16. If the barcode and validation number are exposed then the validation number is incomplete. To ensure security some of the digits from the validation number are hidden from view under scratchoff. If a barcode is hidden then it contains all of the necessary data to complete the validation process.

The game data 14 is thus covered by an area of scratch-off coating 16 which can be removed by a player to expose the game data with the exposed game data including an instant win game revealing whether the player is a winner of a prize and if so the value of that prize.

As shown in FIG. 2, the system 20 includes a programed computer 21 which forms a server which allows access to a web site by the player of the ticket from a terminal 22. The web site is associated with the tickets in that the validation number 17 when entered into an input 23 will allow access by the player into the web site 20A.

The computer 21 communicates through the Internet 25 with a player at the remote terminal 22 wishing to enter the web site 20A.

In FIG. 2, the data base which carries the validation codes and the associated winning amounts, where applicable, is set up as a data base 26 separate from the web site 20A at the server 21. In this way there is no direct access between the terminals 22 of the players and the server hosting the data base 26. This data base can be accessed also from a series of lottery validation terminals located at lottery ticket retailers 26A. Thus the data base 26 is only accessed from secure terminals providing no access to hackers at the terminals 22. In this way the validation numbers, while they are available when the ticket has been played, are communicated only over secure links and the full list is only available to secure terminals. In this way, there is no requirement to encrypt the validation numbers. Turning therefore to FIG. 2, this shows an apparatus for use in a lottery game to be played by a plurality of players. The apparatus comprises a set of lottery tickets 10 as previously described and the programmed computer control system 21.

The programed computer control system provides access to the web site 20A associated with the tickets 10. Communication is provided to the system 21 through the internet 25 with a player wishing to enter the web site from a remote terminal 22 such as a PC, phone, cell or other access system.

The program in the server 21 allows entry by the player of the identification number or code 17 identifying the ticket. This entry can be carried out prior to playing the game on the ticket using the game data 14 or after, depending on the choice of the player. The entry into the web site of the code 17 allows access to a page 20A containing additional game data 14A.

Thus the web site includes a sub program arranged to provide to the player on the web site at the terminal at least one additional game data element 14A arranged to cooperate with the rules 13 printed on the ticket established in the system together with the game data elements 14 exposed on the ticket such that the prize won by the tickets in accordance with the rules 13 is dependent on both the game data elements 14 on the ticket and the additional game data element 14A.

In one arrangement, the game defined by the game data on the ticket and by the additional game data 14A can be played as two separate games so that the game data element exposed on the ticket are arranged to determine a first game result. This can be a winning or losing status and can include a prize amount of a predetermined amount. Also as a second game, the game data elements 14 exposed on the ticket are arranged to determine with the additional game data elements 14A, based on the rules, a second game result. Again this can be a winning or losing status and can include a prize amount of a predetermined amount. Typically the results are different from one another.

Thus the first result can be the winning of a first prize and the second result can be the winning of a second additional prize which can be larger or smaller.

Thus the first result can be the winning of no prize and the second result is the winning of a prize.

Thus the first result can be the winning of a prize and the second result is the enlargement of the winning prize from the ticket only play.

As explained previously, the ticket includes a validation number 17 and the programmed computer control system 21 includes as part of the whole system a lottery terminal 26A for validation and redemption of the ticket by the player. Thus the lottery terminal is arranged to provide access to a data base 26 containing the validation numbers of the tickets and the corresponding prize.

In one arrangement, the programmed computer control system is arranged such that the output from the terminal 26A from the data base 26 provides the second prize so that the player on redeeming the ticket receives the second prize regardless of whether or not the player has accessed the web site. It will be appreciated that the game data 14A of the web site is always predetermined, even though it may appear to the player that it is determined randomly. In this way the second result generates a prize for winning tickets which is always fully predetermined.

As a second alternative, the ticket may be playable using only the game data 14 leading to a first prize result. In this case, the second prize may be paid to the player only when the player has accessed the web site, as determined by a link 30 providing information from the server 21 to the data base 26.

The programmed computer control system controlling the game includes a print control component 31 generating the tickets and particularly the game data 14 thereon.

In one arrangement, the programmed computer control system controlling the game is arranged such that said the additional game data elements 14A simulate a multi-player extension of the game.

In one arrangement, the programmed computer control system controlling the game is arranged such that said the additional game data elements 14A is used in an actual multi-player extension of the game.

In one arrangement, the programmed computer control system controlling the game is arranged such that the game data elements 14 are firstly played using the game rules and such that the additional game data elements 14A are entered into the same game format defined on the ticket to supplement the game data elements 14 already provided on the ticket. In this way the game simulates a situation where the player firstly plays the ticket and then goes onto the web site to obtain further data to extend the play on the ticket.

In a predetermined instant win type game, the additional game data elements 14A and the original game data element 14 printed on the ticket are all pre-determined so that the ticket and the further play both form an instant win ticket with a result which is predetermined and recorded on the data base 26.

Turning now to the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus is used to generate a probability game which is not predetermined in that a selection by the player will determine a different outcome depending on the selection made. In this arrangement, the game data elements 14 printed on the ticket are pre-determined so that the ticket forms an instant win ticket with the result from the game date elements printed thereon which is predetermined.

In this arrangement however, there is provided a set of data elements 14B from which the player can make a selection 14E. In this way the ticket with the further set defines a probability game in which the result is dependent on the selection.

In one arrangement, the set of additional data elements 14B, 14C and 14D are printed on the ticket but the selection of one of them must be entered into the web site as indicated at 14F before the result of that selection is revealed.

In another arrangement, the set of additional data elements 14G, 14H and 14J are shown on the web site and not on the ticket and the selection of one of them is entered on the web site.

In order to calculate the resultant prize to be paid out on the probability ticket, the ticket includes a validation number 17 and the programmed computer control system is arranged to provide access to a data base 40 containing the validation numbers 42 of the tickets in association with the selection made 43 and therefore a prize result 44 of said selection for payment of said prize result. In order to communicate the selection made, there is a connection 45 between the server 21 defining the site and the server carrying the data base 40.

In this arrangement, as the player must enter the selection made into the web site over which he has no control, the result of the probability game is dependent on the validation number of the ticket, the security for which is well established and the information of the selection which is held in secure manner on the web site. In this way the concerns previously arising over the security of probability games has been overcome.

Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense. 

1. Apparatus for use in a game to be played by a plurality of players, the apparatus comprising: a set of game tickets; each ticket of the set of game tickets comprising: a substrate having printed thereon, in one or more areas, game data covered by a covering which can be removed by a player to expose the game data; the game data including a at least one game data element which the player uses to play the game; and a programmed computer system; the programed computer system comprising: a site associated with the tickets; a first program component allowing communication with a player to enter the site from a remote terminal; a second program component arranged to provide to the player at the terminal at least one additional game data element arranged to cooperate with said at least one game data element on the ticket such that the game played is dependent on both said at least one game data element on the ticket and said at least one additional game data element.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the substrate has printed thereon game information defining rules for playing the game using said at least one game data element which is exposed and one or more prizes to be won by winning tickets in accordance with the rules and wherein the prize won by the ticket in accordance with the rules is dependent on both said at least one game data element on the ticket and said at least one additional game data element.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the substrate has printed thereon an identification number or code identifying the ticket and wherein the computer system includes a program component allowing entry by the player of the identification number or code identifying the ticket.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein there is provided a program component for entering registration of personal details of a player entering the web site and for storing data identifying each player.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said at least one game data element exposed on the ticket is arranged to determine without said at least one additional game data element a first result of the game which may include a first prize and wherein said at least one game data element exposed on the ticket is arranged to determine with said at least one additional game data element a second result of the game which may include a second prize.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the first result is the winning of a first prize and the second result is the winning of an additional prize which may be larger or smaller.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the first result is the winning of no prize and the second result is the winning of a prize.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the ticket includes a validation number and the programmed computer system is arranged to provide access to a data base containing the validation numbers of the set of tickets and the corresponding prizes and wherein the programmed computer control system is arranged to provide on a winning ticket, in association with the validation number, both the first and the second prize so that the player on redeeming the winning ticket receives the second prize regardless of whether or not the player has accessed the site.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the ticket includes a validation number and the programmed computer system is arranged to provide access to a data base containing the validation numbers of the set of tickets and the corresponding prizes and wherein the programmed computer control system is arranged to provide on a winning ticket, in association with the validation number, the second prize only when the player has accessed the site.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the programmed computer system is arranged such that said at least one additional game data element simulates a multi-player extension of the game.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the programmed computer control system is arranged such that said at least one additional game data element is used in an actual multi-player extension of the game.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said at least one additional game data element is arranged such that said additional game data element is entered into a game format defined on the ticket to supplement the game data elements already provided on the ticket.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said at least one additional game data element and said at least one game data element printed on the ticket are pre-determined so that the ticket forms an instant win ticket with a result which is predetermined.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said at least one game data element printed on the ticket is pre-determined so that the ticket forms an instant win ticket with a result from said at least one game data element printed thereon which is predetermined and said at least one additional game data element defines a set of data elements from which the player can make a selection such that said at least one additional game data element forms with the game on the ticket a probability game in which the result is dependent on said selection.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the ticket includes a validation number and the programmed computer system is arranged to provide access to a data base containing the validation numbers of the tickets in association with the selection made on the site and so as to provide to the player a prize result dependent on said selection for payment of a prize.
 16. Apparatus for a probability game to be played by a plurality of players in which a result of the game for each player is not predetermined but is based on a probability, the apparatus comprising: a set of game tickets; each ticket of the set of game tickets comprising: a substrate having printed thereon, in one or more areas, game data including a at least one game data element which the player uses to play the game; and a programmed computer system; the programed computer system comprising: a site associated with the tickets; a first program component allowing communication with a player to enter the site from a remote terminal; a second program component arranged to provide to the player entering the site a set of additional data elements from which the player is required to make a selection; wherein the ticket with said game data thereon and with said selection from said additional game data elements from the web site forms a probability game in which a result of the game is at least partly dependent on said selection.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said at least one game data element printed on the ticket forms a pre-determined instant win game.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said at least one game data element is covered by a covering which is removable by a player to expose said at least one game data element.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the substrate has printed thereon game information defining rules for playing the game using said at least one game data element on the substrate and one or more prizes to be won by winning tickets in accordance with the rules.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the substrate has printed thereon an identification number or code identifying the ticket.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the set of additional data elements are printed on the ticket and wherein the programed computer system is arranged such that the selection of one of them must be entered into the site before the result of the selection is revealed.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the set of additional data elements are shown on the site and not on the ticket and the selection of one of them is entered on the web site.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the ticket includes a validation number and the programmed computer control system is arranged to provide access to a data base containing the validation numbers of the tickets in association with information defining the selection made so that a prize dependent on said selection is made available for redemption of the prize. 